Like every team, the Indianapolis Colts have areas they need to improve upon during the offseason if they want to get back into the mix for the playoff race in 2020.
There are a few positions that are worthy of having an argument to be the top position of need. How the Colts will go about addressing these needs in free agency remains to be seen, but they are working with roughly $86.2 million in salary-cap space so they can make any move they want.
Here’s a look at the biggest needs for the Colts entering free agency:
Defensive Tackle
There are a few reasons why the defensive tackle position is listed as the top position of need. The Colts didn’t get much of any production from their interior defensive line in 2020. Only 6.5 of their 41 team sacks came from the interior defensive line, which is the exact opposite of their goal.
The other reason the biggest need for the Colts in free agency is this position is because of how deep it is. Even with Chris Jones receiving the franchise tag, the Colts can target starting-caliber players like D.J. Reader, Javon Hargrave and Shelby Harris.
The Colts need to make the interior defensive line the priority in free agency.
Wide Receiver
Another position that could have an argument to be the top need overall is wide receiver. The Colts have a major concern in the room right now even with a healthy T.Y. Hilton—something that hasn’t been said over the last two seasons.
Behind Hilton, there are a whole lot of question marks. There is the upside with Parris Campbell, but he was injured throughout his rookie season. Zach Pascal was a nice boost when depth was needed, but he shouldn’t be relied upon as a WR1 or even WR2.
There are some options for the Colts in free agency, but it isn’t all that secure. Even the top target in Amari Cooper has had his struggles with consistency. But the Colts need to bring in some reinforcements at the position even if it means paying a little more.
Quarterback
In totality, the quarterback position is the biggest need for the Colts. But it is listed third here because I don’t believe it should be a huge priority in free agency. Even with the potential of bringing in Philip Rivers, it would behoove the Colts to focus on finding a quarterback in the draft.
If they want to sign a Rivers-type and still draft a rookie, that works too. But the options on the market aren’t worth the money the Colts will have to pay. It’s also a question of whether they want to add to the room in free agency. Chris Ballard continues to say he needs to see more from Jacoby Brissett.
That doesn’t mean Brissett is locked in as the starter, but it also doesn’t guarantee the Colts will make a move for a veteran.
Defensive End
The Colts have a solid group of defensive ends on the roster, but it could use some improvement. Justin Houston was strong with 11 sacks, but he enters a contract year. Kemoko Turay showed flashes but suffered a season-ending injury while Ben Banogu was limited throughout his rookie year.
It’s unlikely the Colts will get a chance to go after Yannick Ngakoue, who is expected to get the franchise tag from the Jaguars. But there are still plenty of options. They could pay up for Jadeveon Clowney even if it’s unlikely.
Free agents like Arik Armstead and Shaq Lawson could also be fits for the Colts if they wanted to add some versatility to the room. Defensive end is an underrated need for the Colts.
Cornerback
There’s really only one cornerback the Colts need to target in free agency, and there is an argument that he should be their top priority on the market. That would Byron Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.
He’s uber-athletic and has the versatility to play on the outside and as a safety. He has a familiarity working in Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme from their time in Dallas. He doesn’t rack up the interceptions, but his coverage is tight, and he would give the Colts an immediate upgrade over Pierre Desir.
The other options like Chris Harris Jr. and Logan Ryan aren’t all that appealing, but Jones should be among the top priorities in the market.
